Here is some very welcome news for those of us who love the world of the outdoors! After a number of years showing a steady decline, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced the preliminary results of a comprehensive national survey of outdoor recreation showing a significant increase in hunters and a double-digit increase in anglers over the past five years. “Seeing more people fishing, hunting, and getting outdoors is great news for America’s economy and conservation heritage,” said Salazar. “Outdoor recreation and tourism are huge economic engines for local communities and the country, so it is vital that we continue to support policies and investments that help Americans get outside, learn to fish, or go hunting. That is why, through President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative, we have been focused on helping Americans rediscover the joys of casting a line, passing along family hunting traditions, and protecting the places they love.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation found that hunters nationwide increased by 9 percent while anglers grew by 11 percent. Nearly 38 percent of all Americans participated in wildlife-related recreation in 2011, an increase of 2.6 million participants from the previous survey in 2006. They spent $145 billion on related gear, trips and other purchases, such as licenses, tags and land leasing and ownership, representing 1 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product.

Fishing updates

Northern Illinois – Dave Kranz from Dave’s Bait and Tackle in Crystal Lake reports: “ Every fisherman should sign up to KEEPAMERICAFISHING.ORG this organization represents the voice of the american angler. They will fight for our rights to fish on public waterways! Catfish on the fox river are hitting cut bait and stink bait. Largemouth bass are hitting buzz baits and senkos rigged wacky style.As the weather cools draging a sucker while musky fishing may get you your biggest fish! ” Call 815-455-2040 for updated reports.